A Letting-Go Kind of Lent

A flying tire on the freeway that crashes into Lilia Grundy’s car reminds her that she is not in control—and that this Lent, it’s all about letting go.

Jesus Take the Wheel 

I was driving along highway 14 headed west to campus, praying the Rosary along with Mark Wahlberg’s voice via the Hallow app. Suddenly, I saw a wheel flying toward me and my car. My mind registered that there would be an impact; I just didn’t know where. I checked to see if I could veer right to avoid the collision, but there were cars in the next lane over. I decided to stay firm, and then I heard and felt the crash. 

The random tire that came flying from the other side of the freeway across the barrier crushed my driver’s side and wheel. Somehow, I was able to safely move slowly off to the shoulder, as my car scraped across the road. 

I took the moment to gather myself and process what had just happened. I was OK—and that itself was a miracle, so I thanked God.  

Guided by Grace 

As I reflect on the various phases of my recent road accident, I see the hands of God protecting me throughout. I recollect I was in prayer. I remember the kind roadside assistance worker who swiftly replaced my collapsed wheel. I recall the friendly state troopers who relayed to me that they were able to find the culprit in the incident and help me file the information to my insurance company. 

Most of all, I am grateful to my guardian angel who guided me safely off the road and protected me from any further damage. And although I now face repercussions of what most traffic accidents pose (a totaled car, waiting for insurance claim updates, and so on), I continue to look forward and don’t look back to question why this all happened. 

Learning to Let Go 

Interestingly enough, this season of Lent so far for me, has been a collection of mini letting-go moments: dealing with online scammers, counterfeit products, bank fraud, tax advisor issues, an accident at my daughters’ school leading to an urgent care visit, stress-filled sports events, and the list goes on! 

I recognize that I have spiritually grown in the sense that I’ve accepted I’m not in control each day. However, I have a long way to go when it comes to accepting that realization with peace and grace.  

My morning prayer, which I found online at CatholicWomenProfessionals.com, provides me some comfort. My daily Surrender Novena on loop keeps me going. And my Catholic community and resources remind me I’m not alone. This makes surrendering each day easier to digest.  

Click to tweet:
I’ve accepted I’m not in control each day. However, I have a long way to go when it comes to accepting that with grace. #CatholicMom

Coincidently, I’ve noticed this “Letting-go-kind-of Lent” theme popping up in my Lenten disciplines. Particularly with Hallow’s Lent Pray40 series. I am especially appreciative of Father Mike Schmitz’s Sunday sermons as he speaks to the topics of rejecting great expectations and learning not to question the “What” but saying yes to the “Who.” 

Because the beginning of each day, the beginning of the season of Lent, at any point in my life, I can’t know WHAT I’m saying yes to. But with Jesus I can know WHO I’m saying yes to. (Sunday Sermon, Day 12; Lent Pray40)

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Copyright 2024 Lilia Grundy
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